Explaining Human Memory

By: Eric Hartwell

The process whereby memories are forged into the mental system is a remarkable one that is often misunderstood. But by studying the nature of memory, we gain a higher insight in to the intricate workings of this most vital aspect of the human brain. Some compare the human memory to a tape recorder – yet it is not so simple. While memory can serve as a retainer for key data that we want to “re-play” over and over again, it is a more dynamic and complex mechanism. In addition to storing information, it also allows us to recall feelings, sensations, images, as well as carry out basic functions such as talking.

But what about those of us who wish to improve the use of our memory? After all, it is a vital tool in our day to day interactions. When we are not able to use our memory to its fullest extent, then we suffer a great deal, both in our professional and our personal lives. Below, we will explore some techniques for improving our memory.

1. PUT IT ALL IN ORDER. The way we organize information plays a significant role in making our memory operate more effectively. For example, think of how difficult it would be to memorize a list that contained sixty five random items. But it would be easy to memorize the previous paragraph, which consisted of sixty five words. This is because it forms a rational, organized system. When faced with a task of seemingly disparate parts that you are called upon to remember, organize them in to a system that somehow makes sense. Organization greatly aids the process of memorization.

2. FUNNELING. The funnel concept is based on a simple principle: learn the general idea before you move on to specifics. This provides you with an initial conceptual framework that makes filling in the details at a later date a lot easier to manage.

3. VISUALIZED TEACHING. Try to imagine how you might present the material you are attempting to learn to others – to a group of students, for example.

4. TALK TO YOURSELF. When attempting to process new information, it often helps to actually repeat the data out loud over and over again. This helps the encoding process of memory. You can even repeat the general idea of the information in your own words – this helps you grasp the content and store it over a long period in your memory.

5. LEARNING VIA ACTIVITY. By actively engaging in the material you are attempting to learn, you will have a much easier time storing the information in your memory. By simply listening and taking notes, you are not going to learn very fast. Active engagement is necessary for aiding the memory process.

6. VISUAL ENCODING. Some people are known as “visual learners’; it is much easier for them to remember things associated with an image, rather than text. By attempting to visualize the ideas you are attempting to memorize – or by graphically representing them via writing, drawing, or charting – you can increase your chances that the material you are attempting to learn will stick in your memory for a longer period.

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